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Page 243
for long. Isobel saw that Alinor was shivering, and pulled at her husband's sleeve to point out the bride and groom were cold. Wine had temporarily wiped Simon from Pembroke's mind.
''For God's sake," he bellowed, "let them go or they will both be as stiff and blue with cold as Ian's knee."
"Wait, wait," Salisbury shouted, as bedgowns were brought forward to wrap the chilled pair, "what if the knee remains stiff? Will you repudiate Ian for lameness, Lady Alinor?"
It was a serious consideration, but Alinor had had a few drinks, too. "No," she responded gravely, but with dancing eyes. "I take cognizance of all stiff parts, knees and otherwise, and I state before witnesses that I will not repudiate my husband if those parts remain stiff."
"Alinor!" Ian exclaimed.
"Quick," Llewelyn exclaimed, "into bed with them before they can begin to quarrel. I do not wish to spend any time making peace. I have an appetite that needs to be satisfied at once."
A few minutes more of chaos terminated with Alinor and Ian side by side in her big bed. One more flurry of laughter and some urgent calls for action, and they were alone. The silence, broken only by the hissing of the flames in the fireplace, was a shocking contrast. Alinor turned her head, still smiling at the last jests, but Ian was staring straight ahead into the dark outside the area illuminated by the night candle.
"Did I really offend you?" Alinor asked, striving to keep the chagrin from her voice.
"No, of course not." He turned now and smiled, but his mouth was stiff and his body tense. "I I"
"What is it, Ian?" Alinor asked, reaching toward him.
"Do not touch me!"
Alinor's eyes widened. That was a protest for a virgin maid, not for an eager man.

 
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